Have you ever felt like our classrooms could use a little more fun, a bit more creativity, and a whole lot more critical and independent thinking?
Well, you're not alone!
Whenever I talk to teachers, they always mention that kids simply aren’t thinking for themselves anymore.
If they can’t google the information, they simply don’t want to try to find the answer.
I believe It's time for a thinking revolution that will change our education system.
We need to transform our classrooms into spaces where students aren't just sitting back and absorbing information but actively creating, thinking, and collaborating.
In this age of technology, it's easy for students to become passive learners, relying on a quick Google search to get the answers they need.
But is that really learning?
We must shift our focus from memorizing facts and figures to developing creative and critical thinking skills. We need to challenge our students to ask questions, analyze information, and devise their own solutions. This will not only improve their academic performance but also prepare them for the real world, where problem-solving and creativity are highly valued.
Deeper thinking empowers students to view the world with compassion and empathy, to view different perspectives open-mindedly, and to defer judgment while learning how to collaborate and communicate in spite of differences. This type of thinking must be taught and practiced in our school system.
That’s why we developed the CREATE Method.
Introducing the CREATE Method - A New Way to Change Our Education System for the Better
Over the years, I've teamed up with some fantastic educators to develop the CREATE Method. It's a framework designed to give teachers like you the tools to inspire and engage your students in learning.
Let's break it down:
1. Content Curator: Fueling Curiosity
Imagine a classroom where students are encouraged to produce and share their own content. Trust me. I know we have specific content we have to teach and standards we have to meet. But, what if we allow students some choice within that content?
Whether it's offering a variety of writing prompts, reading materials, math problems, science experiments, or research topics, the goal is to let students’ curiosity run wild. When students dive into exciting topics, they become more engaged and eager to learn.
Studies show that when students are curious about what they are learning, it is easier for them to learn. Therefore, as teachers, we can spark this curiosity by allowing them to explore and express themselves in various ways.
2. Risk Facilitator: Embracing Creative Risks and Celebrating Failure
In traditional classrooms, failure is often seen as a bad thing. But in our thinking revolution, it's a stepping stone to success.
The Risk Facilitator component is all about creating a safe space where students are open-minded and can take creative risks without fear. By celebrating failures as learning opportunities, we help students develop resilience and a growth mindset.
3. Experience Navigator: Hands-On Learning
Experiencing learning by taking action and seeing the change that can happen through knowledge empowers students to embrace content in a meaningful and relevant manner.
The Experience Navigator guides students through interactive and real-world learning experiences. When students actively engage with the material, they understand it on a deeper level. Think project-based learning, field trips, experiential learning, and interactive activities that make lessons come alive. Teachers must strive to navigate students through challenging ways of thinking. This isn’t just about taking students on field trips; it’s about creating impactful learning moments.
4. Attitude Shifter: Cultivating Positivity
A positive mindset can make all the difference.
The Attitude Shifter component focuses on fostering a love for learning. By encouraging students to approach challenges with optimism, we empower them to become lifelong learners.
I often hear students are afraid to share ideas due to fear of judgment. Anxiety runs rampant in our classrooms, and as teachers, we can model this mindset and create a supportive classroom environment where enthusiasm for learning is contagious.
By connecting with our students authentically, we create classrooms where empathy and respect are the foundation. Ultimately, we equip them to tackle challenges with confidence and resilience and lead them on a path of success.
5. Team Transformer: Building Collaboration
Many of us were raised on group work, but not all of us know how to be a team.
So, I challenge you to switch to teamwork.
The Team Transformer promotes collaboration and teamwork in the classroom. Students learn to communicate, solve problems, and appreciate diverse perspectives through team projects and peer reviews. These skills are crucial for their future success, both academically and professionally.
When students work as teams, they learn how each member contributes in a specific, valuable way. Teams work together, supporting each other and building each other up to reach the finish line - together!
6. Evaluation Designer: Reflecting on Growth
Finally, the Evaluation Designer component emphasizes reflective assessments.
Instead of focusing solely on tests, we encourage feedback, self-assessments and peer evaluations. John Hattie’s research on learning is instrumental as it proves that feedback and formative assessments are two of the top 10 influences on a student’s achievement.
Using various ways to assess learning allows students to reflect on their journey and identify areas for growth, fostering a sense of ownership over their education. Even though it may seem like it comes at the end, I argue that it should happen after every step. Taking the time to ask, “How did it go? What could I do differently?” is essential to the thinking process.
Join the Thinking Revolution!
The CREATE Method is more than just a framework—it's a movement! By embracing creativity, curiosity, and collaboration, we can prepare our students for the future. As educators, we have the power to lead this revolution and inspire others to join us.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to be a part of this exciting change? Let's work together to transform our classrooms and make a lasting impact on education. Join us at Curiosity 2 Create as we help educators get excited about the possibilities ahead.
I'm Katie Trowbridge, and I am the author of this post. I am also the president and CEO of Curiosity 2 Create, which is a nonprofit organization that offers professional development and coaching for educators and administrators.
We use what we call the CREATE Method, which is an ESSA Level 4 Backed method that reduces chronic absenteeism, improves student engagement, and increases student academic performance using our CREATE Method model. Schedule a call here to learn more about how Curioisty 2 Create and the CREATE Method can help you and your school today.
I agree with this. Beautiful read!